Eat Travel Write 7.0: The Regalement of Selangor

Eat.Travel.Write (ETW) programme – organised by Selangor State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN), in collaboration with Gaya Travel Magazine – returned for the seventh time to conduct a media familiarisation of the unique and enchanting culinary, and touristic spots in Hulu Selangor and Kuala Selangor.

A regalement of gastronomic adventures and Eco-tourism were recorded during the four days and three night trip along the edge of Selangor. Here is what went down during the trip…

WHERE TO EAT

Indulge with a bowl of cendol at Cendol Durian Borhan – where a rich slab of Durian flesh is added into the traditional mix of syrupy palm sugar, creamy coconut milk, and a garnish of cendol jelly. Just an hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, this joint cum restaurant is serving first-class dessert and rojak regularly. Eat away your stress and put away your smartphones; this succulent dessert demands attention by its mere aroma alone.

Imagine crispy, buttery crust enveloping a filling of sweet and thick kaya that melts in your mouth at first bite. Sounds heavenly right? At Teng Wun Bakery and Confectionery, this dreamy pastry called as Kaya Puff (also known as Kaya Kok) is served almost every day. Homed in Kuala Kubu Bharu, the bakery is less than an hour drive away and is usually crammed with loyal customers. So you are encouraged to make reservations to ensure that box of happiness is yours.

‘Instagrammable interior’ and ‘cendol sorbet’ is the only two vocabularies Auntie Foo cafe need to describe its uniqueness and innovations. Yes, you read right! – Cendol sorbet is served at this cafe; it is a daring approach on the traditional dessert, which this cafe excels wonderfully. All of the ingredients are home-made by its owner, Hui Ching. Just a kilometre away from Melawati Hill, this cafe is a worthy and very comfy stop to cool off from Kuala Selangor’s scorching weather.

Nasi Ambeng is a dish where bold flavours and traditional Javanese condiments are served in a tray to unite and promote rapport among its customers. At Warung Ibu Nasi Ambeng, the food here is personally cooked by Ibu for ten years. Nasi Ambeng Kawin costs you only RM18.00 per set, and you can share it with your partner with no concern as the wholesome portion easily feeds up to three people in one serving. Just an hour and thirty minute’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, this authentic traditional delicacy is more than a reasonable excuse for a short getaway from home.

One of the highlights of this programme was the Bamboo Briyani rice served at Amma’s Signature in Batang Kali. This traditional Indian cuisine is aromatic and intense compared to the typically made Briyani rice, due to the way it is cooked in a bamboo. The prices are reasonable considering the portion of each dish and can range from just RM18.90 all the way to RM160.00. The most expensive dish is the lobster biryani; a luxurious combination that screams appetising due to the rich marinates and spices that complement the seafood goodness.

The Bahulu comes in a variation of original bahulu, stuffed and rolled

Kunya Kunya supplies a large variety of local snacks at a reasonable price

Kunya-kunya is one of the biggest and tastiest suppliers that produces local snacks such as Bahulu (bite-sized soft cakes), onion chips, banana chips and more. The home turned factory headquarters has been cranking out these delectables since 1999 and strategically located in Tanjung Karang, this store is the ultimate gift shop for mothers and traditional snacks enthusiasts alike.

Tucked in between lush palm tree farms, this nature-inspired restaurant cooks one of the best variations of seafood in Tanjung Karang. The restaurant’s signature is sugar, spice, and everything nice. Literally! The array of crabs, mussels, Tom Yum soup, black pepper lamb and sweet-and-sour fish leaves you heaving from the heat, while the chrysanthemum tea washes away the spiciness. It is painfully delicious.

WHAT TO DO

Savour the sweetness of Pandan Coconut juice at the Kampung house in Selangor Fruits Valey

A ticket allows you to ride the tram all over the huge farm at a low price

Vegetable picking, fruits shopping, animal petting, honey tasting and so much more can be done in one place, and it is the staggeringly huge farm; the Selangor Fruits Valley. Basically an agricultural theme-park, you are invited to a whole new experience where you can learn, participate and entertain yourself with all the available agricultural activities there. At a small price of RM10.00 for adults and RM5.00 for children, you can survey the farm through the convenience of tram-rides.

Kampung Kuantan Fireflies

The fireflies put on a spectacular show for the visitors as they flicker rhythmically

The flickering brilliance of fireflies illuminates the ridges of Selangor River, as the smooth rowing of the sampan cruises over the breathtaking view encapsulates the beauty of nature seamlessly. The sampan comfortably fits four and costs RM60.00 per boat, while the tour approximately takes 20 minutes. It starts after dusk and operates daily, so if you are around Kuala Selangor, do take time to try it as the beauty of nature is incomparable to the artificiality of manmade marvels. Contact the office at +60332891439 for more information.

Cholo Cholo offers a more private hot spring experience as the pools caters limited number of visitors

For those seeking for relaxation, Cholo Cholo Hotsprings and Restaurants is a great place to go. Man-made pools of natural hot springs cater to a smaller group, making the vicinity private and serene. The landscaping reminds you of a Japanese hot spring spa and with private pools on the way, Cholo Cholo offers you a unique experience unlike any other. The hot spring is strategically located just 40-minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur.

With Eco-tourism at the heart of the park, this conservation forest homes to almost 100 types of migratory birds and also has become a habitat for one of the most dynamic ecosystems in Malaysia. With provided trail and a variety of accommodation, bird watchers and nature lover would feel right at home. Located near Melawati Hills, you would find its location awfully convenient as it is quite close to the large selections of restaurants and mini markets.

During the ETW7 trip, we were amused by the array of entertainment and scenic view that Melawati Hill provides. A special spot for the encounter of the unique Silver Leaf Monkeys, and the popular lighthouse, the hill is famous not just to the locals but also foreigners. Step into the Kuala Selangor Historical Museum to learn more about the historical significance of the site and take a shot of the beautiful panoramic view at the top of the fortress.

WHERE TO STAY

This interesting hotel sports Eco-friendly accommodation with recycled containers transformed into hotel rooms, and with a modular concept, the industrial designed structures blend in with its foliage of green landscaping perfectly. Space efficient and wholesomely equipped with endless activities, this hotel is a multipurpose and multi-charming spot that resides just beside Remis beach. For those who are looking for a quick escape, head over to The Kabin for a true urban experience that envelopes nature and functionality in one area.

Eco Murai Rimba is the place for true nature admirers. Nestled just beside the Batang Kali River, the row of chalets offers minimalistic practicality. With just RM130 per night (with breakfast!), the hotel allows you to unwind in the midst of the forest, where you can swim in the cool, clear water and fish great catches all while enjoying a barbecue on the upper level of the incorporated kitchen next to the riverbed. Talk about an adventure!